The Frankfort Square Wildcats is a member of the River Valley Youth Football League. The Wildcats was established in 1998 with the following objective: To provide the youth in the community a safe, supervised competitive football and cheerleading program while promoting the ideals of sportsmanship, team spirit, honesty, loyalty and citizenship.

Wildcats Newsletter 9/21/22

Sponsored by our friends at Gas N Wash, Kevin Kaminski of Edward Jones, and Altorfer Cat.

We were back at Homer (Again!) this weekend to renew the rivalry with Coach Drexel’s favorite opponent. But first let’s hear what happened in Flag football from Jim Dote…

Flag

After making every flag parent's day with last week's games being cancelled due to the rain, the boys were back in action and off to a very fast start. 

Raiders 42 Bears 35 

The Raiders’ Sam Holzer has entered the Heisman watch list. Holzer led the Raiders over the Bears with 3 touchdowns on the day in a game that lacked defense on both sides. Holzer is a free agent entering next year and remains focused on the Raiders’ success, despite the recent discussions with Steelers management for the ‘23 season. Don't sleep on Kooper Przysucha, this up-and-coming rookie also jumped onto the scene this week with 2 TD's of his own for the Raiders.  Unfortunately, more bad luck for the Bears but there is no reason to panic when you have Parker Santor, Ryan Smith, Willie Stallworth and Rylan Ferretti as scoring threats every week; all of them found the endzone in this week's loss. The defense will need to improve if these monsters of the midway can turn it around. Everett Yerkey and Connor Friedstat are 2 defensive players that the Bears can build upon, both having strong defensive performances despite the Bears giving up 6 TD's 

Rams 35 Steelers 28

The Steelers defensive coordinator Fred Pufahl is on the hot seat as the Steelers fall to the speedy Rams. It is usually not a good sign when you give up a touchdown on the first play of the game, such was the case for the Steelers on Sunday. The ability to grab flags was not on display as the Rams ran wild on offense behind DJ Webb , who found the end zone 4 times. Hunter Street also found the endzone on a run that spectators haven’t seen since Eric Dickerson wore the blue and yellow. The Rams did just enough defensively behind the play of Ben and Luke Kovacevich. A huge 4th down stand in the late minutes of the game sealed the deal for the Rams.  For the Steelers, "Zig-Zag" Zylka passed for a touchdown and rushed for one of his own. Mason McCann continues to stand out for the Steelers, finding the endzone twice  (1 receiving/1 rushing). With the offensive line coming together behind leader Sully Jensen, this offense should be able to keep pace with the rest of the league. If the Steelers cannot find a way to make defensive stops it is going to be a long season. Thankfully, Lucian Holder is keeping this unit together with his aggressive play. 

In just 2 weeks, Flag games have combined for a total of 34 TD's!  This has to be a record, but record keeping from Drexel, Palmer and Houk in years past is non-existent... so we will never know. We will continue to rely on these newsletters for the most accurate and dependable information. (Editor’s note: Perhaps Jim Dote should spend more time teaching defense at flag practice rather than disparaging the coaches who laid the groundwork for the dominant Wildcats defenses in the tackle program?)

Tackle

SLW vs Frankfort Falcons (9/14/22)

In Wednesday night action, the Wildcats took on a big Falcons squad and got back on the winning track. Winning the game 12-0 was a great confidence boost to the SLW Teal team! Gabe Stasulas took one to the house to start the scoring and was followed by Downtown Jack Brown for the second score. The Cats’ defense played amazing with the defensive line dominating the Pioneer’s offense. All eleven Wildcats’ defenders recorded a tackle on the night.

SLW vs Homer Stallions (9/17/2022)

Call Scooby Doo and the gang because every time we visit Homer there will be some mysterious calls. The 5^th Quarter had the Wildcats feeling good with 3 touchdowns. Gabe Stasulas burst through the Stallions’ defense with two long touchdown runs and Tyler Huber rounding out the scoring for the Cats. Defense played well, allowing only one score. The Cats tackled well behind Stasulas, Jack Brown, Calvin Smith, and Ty Kobialko.

After the opening kick, the Cats’ defense stopped the Stallions forcing a punt. As the Cats’ returner headed into the endzone for an apparent TD, a mysterious yellow hankie appeared well behind the play and a block-in-the-back penalty negated the score. The Stallions’ defense stiffened the rest of the way, aided by Wildcat mistakes, and kept the Cats out of the endzone. The Stallions had two big plays to score their touchdowns (spoiler alert: these will be the Stallions only scores the rest of the day).Coach Nakos stated “Losing the game 12-0, we will move forward learning from our mistakes and grow from the experience”. Knowing the SLW coaching staff, I am sure they will.

Next up: Back-to-back visits to Lincoln Way West to face the Jr. Warriors at 6:30 PM Wednesday and 1:30 PM Saturday

LW vs Homer Stallions (9/17/22)

With no Wednesday game last week, the Cats came in well rested and ready to go. The Teal and White units got the ball rolling with a nifty run by TE Danny Dwyer taking and end around, reversing field and scampering for a 20-yard gain (although with the cutbacks he ran around 60 yards). Two plays later “Air Teal” took flight with a 60-yard scoring strike from Mason Shefcik to Jack Foley who stretched out to pull in the throw, kept his feet, and ran away from the defenders (a highlight reel play). Defensively, the Cats saw the emergence of LB Ahmed Kishta as he did his best Brian Urlacher (or should I say Elliott Roethle) imitation by making tackles all over the field. The Cats also recorded a turnover when Justin Kaminski knocked the ball loose from the Stallions ball carrier which was recovered by Shefcik.

After kick-off, the Cats’ offense had an interesting day. Although they seemed to move the ball well, penalties and dropped balls tended to slow their momentum. The defense; however, was dominant, shutting out the Homer offense. After a booming punt by Max Kettering pinned the Stallions deep in their own territory, the defense forced a turnover when Ronnie Houk blitzed the QB forcing a fumble recovered by Aiden Lorendo. The offense capitalized on the turnover when Roethle followed Kenny Ritter through a huge hole created by Jabreel Dajani, Andy Palmer and Jaxson Dixon for a Cats TD and a 6-0 halftime lead. It was all Cats in the second half as the defense kept pushing the Stallions backwards. The Cats drove quickly down the field for another Roethle TD (or so everyone in attendance thought, and which was confirmed on video), but a head-scratching fumble call by the officials gave the ball back to the Stallions. The defense held once again, forcing a punt. Pint-sized powder keg Bryce Westerberg fielded the punt, broke right juked three defenders and ran down the left sideline to set the offense up in the red zone. The offense turned the ball over on downs bringing the defense back on the field. After a James Bailey sack, Will Holzer jumped a slant route with a key interception. Roethle followed with another left side TD run. Zander Howard finished the Stallions with a sack (one of eight sacks by the team) preserving a 12-0 victory.

Next Up: Wednesday 9/21/22 at LWN against the HF Kings and Saturday at LWW against the Jr. Warriors at 3:30 PM.

JV vs Homer Stallions (9/17/21)

JV went into Homer (yet again) and pulled out a 6-0 victory against the previously unbeaten Stallions.  They won the battle of the trenches on both sides of the ball despite the Stallions’ substantial size advantage.  On Offense the line of Ryan Manzke, Adan Corral, Jack Weyer, Andrew Radziwon, Cayden Archbold, and Anthony Holder powered the running game to 20 carries for 130 yards.  QB Ryan Harris took a 53 yarder to the house for the winning score.  On Defense the line of Connor Clendenning, Colin Boyer, Anthony Holder, and Andrew Radziwon stuffed the line allowing the LB crew of Ryan Harris, Landon Martinez, Ryan Manzke, and Hunter Clendenning to make tackles at or near the line of scrimmage.  The Defense held Homer to  21 carries for 40 yards. Manzke let the team with 9 solo tackles.    Highlighting the Defense was a pick in the endzone at the end of the half by Luke Bourgeois that was nearly returned 100 yards for a Defensive TD.

Next Up: Wednesday 7:00 PM at LWN vs the HF Kings and Saturday at LWW against the Jr. Warriors at 5:30 PM.

Varsity vs Frankfort Falcons (9/14/22)

There was good news and bad news on Wednesday night as the Cats’ remained unbeaten in the WNFL, but they added a tie to their record after a 0-0 tie with the Falcons. In the defensive battle, Nate Kaminski had a great pass break up in the endzone late in the 4th to keep the game scoreless. 

Varsity vs Homer Stallions (9/17/22)

As alluded to earlier, the Stallions would not score in a defensive gem by the Wildcats. The defense had the Stallions in reverse all game allowing -2 total yards (I had more yards, and I didn’t play)!  Tyler Kelley had a fumble recovery and Eli Archbold had an interception. Defense was led by Logan Yerkey and Colin Phelan. Homer only had one first down the entire game. 

Offense was rolling again, amassing 318 yards of offense. Speedster Charlie Palmer had 8 carries for 132 yards and 2 TD’s. Archbold had 65 yards on 6 carries with a TD. Phelan also added a 5-yard TD run. Casey Mikrut had a nice 30-yard catch. No turnovers. Not even the refs could help the Stallions in this dominant Wildcats’ win.

Next up: back-to-back visits to Lincoln Way West to take on the Warriors on Wednesday at 7:30 and Saturday at 7:30.

It was great to see all the fans in attendance and glad the cheerleaders could perform their impressive routines on a dry field.

Note: Do you know what goes great with football? Popcorn! Our annual popcorn sales fundraiser starts this Thursday. Check your emails for details or speak with your team coordinators.

Teal, Black, and White Fight, Fight, Fight. Go Cats Go!

Congratulations to the winners of the Wildcats raffle. Thank you all for your participation.

1st Place $500 - Jenny Thielen

2nd Place $250 - Laure Coyle

3rd Place $250 - Missy Braunell

4th Place $100 - Megan Haddad

5th Place $100 - Carrie Friestadt

6th Place $100 - Chris McCann

7th Place $100 - Lauren Dixon

8th Place $100 - Nicole Coutts

Your checks are in the mail.

Go Cats!

Wildcat Newsletter 9/14/22

Sponsored by our friends at Gas N Wash, Kevin Kaminski of Edward Jones, and Altorfer Cat.

In case you were busy building your arc and missed this weekend’ s football games, here are the results from Wildcats Water Park… (as well as some Wednesday night results).

Flag

Since the water levels were over most of our flag players’ heads, the flag games were postponed. Make-up dates TBD.

Tackle

SLW vs Tinley Park Bulldogs (9/7/22)

The Wednesday game was a defensive battle, but the Cats fell 6-0 to the Bulldogs. The Cats’ defense was led by Calvin Smith, Ty Kobialko, and Tyler Huber.

SLW vs Homewood Flossmoor Kings (9/11/22)

To paraphrase the postmen’s motto “Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail shall keep the Cats from the endzone.” We can sum this game up in one word, “Domination”. The Wildcats’ defense did not allow the Kings’ offense one positive play all game. The Kings’ “best” play was a two-yard loss! Leading the swarming defense were “Bustin” Justin Dixon, Masai Reid, Riley Street, Frankie Houk, Tommy Piszczor, Ryan Ripoli, Austin Boyer, and London “Two Hands” Jones.

Offensively, Masai Reid “went off’ scoring four TDs. Dixon added the final TD in a 31-6 victory (the Kings’ TD came after the game was official). Coach Nakos was proud of his boys for keeping their composure as the game got heated towards the end.

Next up: Frankfort Falcons at 6:00 PM Wednesday September 14th at LW North and Saturday 12:00 PM at Homer

LW vs Homer Stallions (8/31/22)

On the road at Homer (do we ever play them at our field?), the Wildcats fell behind early with Homer attacking the Cats through the air. The Cats struggled to move the ball, until they turned to the passing game themselves. Mason Shefcik hit his favorite target, Jack Foley on a 65-yard catch and run for a TD. The Cats took over from there behind touchdown runs from Jack Kettering and Gavin Lorden and an extra point run by Kaden Schlender enroute to a 19-13 victory.

LW vs New Lenox Jr Warriors (9/7/22)

Hurricane season is approaching. Speaking of natural disasters, the Wildcats were tsunami’d by the Warriors 31-0 in the Wednesday league. Early turnovers and missed tackles led to a 13-0 halftime deficit. The Warriors dominated the second half shutting down the previously unbeaten Wildcats Wednesday team. The Cats had a few bright spots, with Gavin Lorden logging 50+ yards rushing and recovering a fumble. Danny Dwyer recorded an interception and Zander Howard recovered a fumble. Jack Kettering and Blake Roberts forced the fumbles.

LW vs HF Kings

Coach Drexel asked his team to set the tone early, and the Cats responded with Elliott Roethle recovering the opening kick-off and gaining possession for the Cats. The Cats moved the ball down field somewhat effortlessly but turned the ball over as the slippery conditions contributed to a fumble. The defense rose to the occasion, with James Bailey and Jabreel Dajani combining to bring down the Kings’ running back in the endzone for a safety and the Cats’ first points of the season. Evan Solava returned the ensuing free kick to the Kings’ 5-yard line with some nifty moves and excellent blocking. On the next play from scrimmage the left side of the line (Will Holzer, Andy Palmer, and Jaxson Dixon) parted the Kings’ defense like Moses at the Red Sea allowing Roethle to walk into the endzone. The Cats’ defense got the ball back for the Offense, who stormed down the field. On 4^th and goal from the one, Ryan Radziwon followed Bailey up the middle for a TD and a 15-0 halftime lead. The second half was all Cats, seeing Holzer switch from end to running back and knifing his way behind the right side (Max Kettering, Aiden Lorendo, and Jameson Hix) for a 10-yard TD run (Radz ran in the extra point). Kenny Ritter had his second strong game running the football capping off the scoring for the Cats on a run from the 8-yard line. The defense preserved the shutout when Kaden Schlender stripped the football from the Kings’ running back with Ahmed Kishta recovering. Other defensive contributors helping to earn the shutout were Ronnie Houk, Bryce Westerberg, Callen Mikrut, and Guy Mullen.

Next Up: The Cats take on their nemesis, Homer Stallions, at Homer on Saturday at 2:00 PM

JV vs Homer Stallions (8/31/22)

For many of the first-year JV players, this was their first crack at the Homer team that defeated them in the Lightweight Super Bowl. Homer may have limited Dylan Clendenning in that game, but that was certainly not the case here, as DC ran all over the Stallions for 175 yards and the game’s lone TD. What should have been a lopsided Wildcats victory was made close due to Cats’ turnovers and a ridiculous stalling strategy where the Stallions would huddle for the majority of the 1st quarter. Defensively, Dante Toures forced a fumble which was recovered by DC, and Rowan Kras and Amer Salah closed the game with back-to-back sacks.   

JV vs New Lenox Warriors (9/7/22)

Another defensive battle ended up in a 0-0 tie after a crucial fumble by the Cats at the goal line late in the 4^th quarter. Seven Cats’ players recorded multiple tackles and the Cats held their opponents scoreless for the second straight game. The Cats were able to move the ball at times but could not crack the endzone. Dylan had his second 100+ yard rushing effort, and the combination of Luke Drexel to Evan Stewart combined for two third down pass receptions to keep drives moving. The tie leaves the Wednesday Night Cats in playoff contention at 2-0-1.     

JV vs HF Kings (9/11/22)

This may sound like a broken record, but the Wildcats found themselves in a defensive battle on Sloppy Sunday. Coach Racette described it as “a back-and-forth scrum”. The defensive line played great neutralizing the King Offensive Line and allowing the LB core of Hunter Clendenning, Ryan Manzke, Landon Martinez, and Ryan Harris to make plays. Harris and Manzke recovered fumbles and Connor Clendenning forced and recovered another, but the Kings were able to break one long play on a screen pass for the lone score in the 6-0 Kings’ win. The weather appeared to limit the Cats’ offense as the slippery conditions hindered their speed. A couple of long plays were called back due to penalty. With no Wednesday game this week, the JV Cats hope to get it going against the Stallions on Saturday.

Next Up: Homer Stallions Saturday 4 PM at Homer

Varsity vs Tinley Park Bulldogs (9/7/22)

In a Wednesday night contest, the Wildcats found themselves in unfamiliar territory - falling behind the Bulldogs 6-0, but that’s all the Cats’ defense would allow. QB Ryan Beck connected with JT Theis on a long catch and run to even the score at 6. The game had the makings of a tie until Aidan Dillon stepped in front of a Bulldog pass for an interception which set up a Luke Ingram touchdown run from the 5-yard line with no time remaining for a 12-6 victory!

Varsity vs HF Kings (9/11/22)

On a day when Coach Roberts saw his freshly trimmed and painted Wildcat field turn into a swamp, he was prepared to call a lot of running plays. And run they did. Behind the line of Kaden Dangman, Lucas Thielen, Joe Petrassi, Tyler Kelley, and Shane Dougherty, Charlie Palmer led the way with 152 total yards and 3 TDs, followed by Casey Mikrut (100 yards/TD), and Colin Phelan (26 yards/TD). In spite of the conditions, QB Eli Archbold was able to complete 3 passes for 72 yards and a TD in the 38-12 victory. Defensively the Cats were led by Nick Rocciola with 4 tackles with Logan Yerkey, Phelan, Mikrut, and Palmer also having multi-tackle games.

Next Up: Frankfort Falcons Wednesday at LW North at 7 PM and at Homer Saturday at 6 PM.

Thanks to the fans who endured the weather and the talented Wildcat Cheer teams for their support.

Teal, Black, and White Fight, Fight, Fight. Go Cats Go!

The Wildcats Organization makes every effort to provide a safe sporting environement to the boys and girls participating in football and cheer; however, injuries may occur. In the event your child has a concussion, the Wildcats will follow the CDC guidelines regarding return to play. These guidelines are included in the Documents section of this website or can be reviewed at the CDC website:  https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/basics/return_to_sports.html

Please consult your doctor if your child experiences any concussion-like systems and inform their coach or athletic director regarding the diagnosis.

The doctors, physical therapists, and athletic trainers at Integrated Physical Medicine have agreed to a
partnership with the FRANKFORT SQUARE WILDCATS. All FRANKFORT SQUARE WILDCATS athletes (football and cheerleading) and their families will have immediate access to first-rate injury care.

Please use the following link to register for volunteer duties at flag games. Don't worry, additional activities will be released throughout the season. There will be ample opportunities to fulfill your volunteer obligations.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e4aaca729a2f5c07-volunteer

Please use the link below to sign up for volunteering activities. Each family is expected to complete three activities for each of your children in the organization. Please contact your team coordinator with any questions.

Camp photo

Thank you to all of the kids and their parents for helping make the 2022 Flag and Tackle Football Camp a success. Over 200 kids attended the camps, and it was a great kick-off to the 2022 season which begins July 25th. Kudos to the coaches and volunteers for their hard work running the camps.

Go Cats!

Want to become a sponsor? The 2022 Frankfort Square Wildcats Football & Cheer season is fast approaching!  This year the organization will be celebrating 25 years since becoming a youth football organization in Frankfort Square since 1998. 

Click on the Sponsor Tab on the left hand banner of the website to view available sponsorship and underwriting opportunities for you to help us achieve our fundraising goals. We’ve created opportunities across various levels to fit all budgets. Your donation will help in allowing us to keep our cost affordable for all our athletes, invest in new football & cheer equipment, field maintenance, help pay for referee and official fees.

Our Frankfort Square Wildcats sponsors and underwriters will receive many advertising opportunities during the 2022 Football and Cheer Season. These advertisements will reach approximately 300 plus football & cheer families, as well as, hundreds of members from the public who attend any of our home games from the surrounding River Valley Football League.

Thank you for your consideration and generous support of Frankfort Square Wildcats Football & Cheer Youth Organization. We look forward to hearing from you! Go Cats!

For Further questions or information, please contact Julie Mikrut at 

Did you know that because we are a non-for-profit many companies match donations made by their employees to our organization? Click on the "Matching+Gift+Corporations" pdf in the Documents tab to find out if your employer is one of the many!

While we are sure everyone would like to be playing a regular season right now, our Cheer and Football Conditioning Camps have been a big hit!  Cheer is winding down but football will continue for several more weeks.  We want to thank Sir Grout for helping keep our kids safe by sanitizing all of our football equipment!  If you have any cleaning needs, check out their website Sir Grout or give them a call!